MINI CACTI PLANTER

As promised and in the spirit of my new home in Arizona, I made a cacti planter for my very first DIY.  I was inspired by this post on one of my all time favorite blogs, A Beautiful Mess.  It was so simple and fairly inexpensive.  I am so excited to have some beautiful cacti on display in my home rather than just outside of it.

I used a variety of cacti, an aloe plant, and a succulent.  Of course, you can get any plants you want to make your mini garden unique!  Then, put a layer of rocks on the bottom of the bowl followed by a layer of soil.  Plant the cacti and add a top layer of rocks for visual effect.  

I'm hoping that this is an easy mini garden to care for--typically you only need to water every 7-9 days or when the soil becomes dry.  So cute and simple!

SMOOTH MORNINGS

I've been searching for an energizing and healthy smoothie to start my mornings with and a slightly modified version of  this one from Annaliisa's Organic Kitchen is even more than I could have asked for.  Just mix the ingredients in a blender and serve over ice.  It is filled with natural vitamins and tastes amazing--the perfect way to begin a new day!

THE WEEKENDER

I've spent three days in the desert and I already have a favorite cactus, the saguaro.  There are so many different shapes and sizes--some have grown to be towering, some are just fuzzy babies, some have grown sideways, and some have what seems like a million little arms popping out from all over.  All of the different cacti are so fun to explore--I even saw one start to bloom today!  Other than visiting my new home and stopping by a farmers market, this weekend is simply for settling into a new lifestyle... that I love already!  Some links for you this weekend.....

I'm planning on making this spray for my hair.

Such a great, helpful tip for making cooking easier.

I made cauliflower mashed potatoes for a barbeque a few weeks ago and it was delicious.  I can't wait to try this eggplant version.

I am on the hunt for a light summer robe similar to this one.

I can't wait to have my very own at-home bar one day.

I am sad to report that I am not very hip, at least according to this quiz.

Happy birthday, Harry!  And now I feel old....

It's good to fall in love.

HAPPY CAPTURED (DAYTON) MOMENTS

{leftover fourth of july celebration}

{red wine and eggplant pizza}

{scary movies at the drive-in}

{rainy saturdays spent in bed}

{flowy open windows and root beer floats in bed}